Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Michael Moynihan TD has welcomed the announcement that 2,000 jobs will be created in a new wind farm project for the Midlands.

The €8 billion project will see wind farms erected in counties Meath, Westmeath, Kildare, Laois and Offaly, which will supply Britain's National Grid.

Deputy Moynihan commented: "This is a major coup for Element Power, which will oversee the project.

"With 2,000 jobs to be provided during the construction phase, there could be many more spin-off positions created in the retail and production sectors.

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"I would like to see An Bord Pleanála take a lead in ensuring this project moves to the construction phase as quickly as possible. As a major infrastructure project I would hope the process goes through the relevant steps so construction can begin to reach the 2018 target date.

"I would also urge Element Power to consult with local residents and farmers in these areas to allay any concerns they have. A wind farm ear marked near Mullingar in 2010 received hundreds of objections and for a project of this scale to continue, input is needed from all interested parties to ensure the application runs smoothly without any complications.

"Wind energy is something that Ireland can capitalise on and this source of renewable energy has the potential to create thousands of more jobs in Ireland as we move towards natural sources of energy that are environmentally friendly."

(CD)